Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Claudia I. Cooley on May 10, 2012 – Wilmington, DE
YAKUZA, Yalissa – named in honor of Farah Ravon – just threw in the LL’s to make Fallon.
Fallon landed on US soil from Iran on December 10, 2011, at JFK Airport in New York. She was driven to PHL Airport in Philadelphia, PA by Sheyda Ardalan and met there for transport to Faithful Friends Animal Society in Wilmington, DE by Lou. Haley, my friend Lisa and I went to meet Fallon.
All went well between the dogs and Fallon came home with Haley and I.
Within three days, Fallon was crate trained and I taught her how to go up/down the deck steps just showing her once. Doorways were a challenge for a few weeks and so were the household noises. Haley has been Fallon’s mentor – Fallon watches and learns from her still to this day. Fallon has never had an accident in the house. Initially, Fallon grumbled at my four house cats, but grew to love them, especially Cinder.
There were several suitors for Fallon, but for one reason or another they were not the perfect match for her. On May 10, 2012, I signed the adoption contract to adopt Fallon as she was already in the perfect home to fit her special needs from day one.
Fallon and Haley get along wonderfully. Both love people, especially men. Yes – Fallon LOVES the men. She does a silly little dance when she’s excited. She talks to you, loves to go for walks (leash training took a couple of weeks) loves to be brushed, but not fond of bath time. Most of all, both dogs love their car rides together.
While Fallon’s crate is set up, I no longer put her in it – just leave the door open and he still goes in her crate to take a nap – feels very secure in it.
Fallon is a very very happy dog. She is truly amazing and incredibly smart and has been a great addition to my pack. Fallon does not realize she only has three legs and I am not going to tell her. We all are very fortunate to have found each other.
From my heart to yours, thank you all at VAFA for taking such good care of Fallon and all the other animals that are fortunate enough to get into your shelter.
With love and gratitude,
Claudia I. Cooley
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Trish & Brian Schmidt – June 24, 2012 – Barrington, NJ, USA
On September 8th, 2011 our friend and companion of nearly 15 years, Harley passed away at home with us. When he first arrived in our home from an abandon litter he was so small he could sleep in my motorcycle helmet. But from that tiny bundle he would grow into a wonderful loving Sheppard mix. When he passed away, I swore I’d never get another dog. There was no way I could ever take the chance of feeling that sad again.
Time may not heal all things but it does soften the hurt and there are so many dogs and other pets in need of a forever home. Both Chloe and Sassy were willing to add a member to their pack. Plus my wife and I had the room and the means to welcome one more into our house and were once again hopeful that another dog would be willing to make this their forever home.
This time we wanted to do something different. While there are so many dogs in need of a home, there is also a group that most times is overlooked. Dogs and pets with special needs. While the most special need they require is merely a loving family to be a part of a home to call their own, they possess a disability or condition that makes many people overlook their ability and desire to provide a lovely and caring companion for life.
We began to submit applications for an older dog with special needs. The first one we were glad to hear about had already found their forever family. Another was called the other side of the Rainbow Bridge while in the care of their foster family. The next was an application for a medium sized Shepard we saw her name is Nanaz. She had come from Iran and was missing her ears and one of her front legs. But she had heard America was the land of opportunity and that she was more than willing to give a family the opportunity to be her forever home.It looked like she had both a tough time and a loving life in Iran. Because her ears are cropped it is believed she was at one time a working field dog. But at some point she became just another stray on the streets of the city. She also became the mother to a litter of puppies; sadly what became of them is unknown. She had to survive on the acts of kindness from numerous Iranian people during her life on the street. It was them who fed and cared for her for as best they could for about 2 years.
But she was just one of many strays and like in America; a stray may just fade into the background and become someone else’s problem to deal with. During an effort to rid the streets of stray dogs in Iran, Nanaz’s left front leg was badly injured. I was told one of the people who cared for her while she lived on the street found her and took her to Vafa Animal Shelter for help. It was here despite their best medical efforts, and it was decided her leg was too far gone to save. But now at Vafa she would receive not only protection from the street but the love and care from dozens of volunteers and supporters who maintain the shelter.
Sadly after nearly two years without being adopted and thought to be around 8 years old it was feared shelter life would become too hard for a disabled dog. Because disable dogs are hard to find adoptions for, it was decided she might have a better chance of finding a home in America. Through a generous sponsor and the efforts of many volunteers Nanaz and another tri-paw Shadi were chosen to make the trip to Toronto in March of 2012 and from there on to America. I’m not sure where Shadi went but Nanaz was fostered at Mutts Need Love Too this was a Dog Rescue run by Susan Reaver in Maryland. And it would be through Susan in June that we would finally get to meet Nanaz.
We had set up a big dog crate and since my Harley was already a senior dog, the house already had ramps built to accommodate his needs in his last couple of years. It was decided Nanaz would meet Sassy and Chloe in the back yard for their first introduction. She immediately began to explore both the yard and of course her new sister’s butts. They of course returned the favor. But, there was no fighting and no growling. They seemed to accept each other with no problems. We showed Nanaz the ramp to the dog door and she went straight in and out on the first try.
Inside the house it was much the same. Nanaz went straight to the living room and found the crate. She immediately claimed it as her own and made herself at home. A small grumbling growl let Sassy and Chloe know she had staked her claim to this spot. But she was perfectly willing to let Trish and I have access to the crate and to pet her as much as we wanted. We had already had our references checked. And our house and yard passed inspection. She’d pop out and visit and then run back in. But everyone looked happy and permission to adopt Nanaz was OK’d.
Her first night she spent pretty much in her crate. She looked so scared when Susan left. I guess to her; she must have wondered if her life and world would ever stop changing. It was not the only reason but an important one in why we didn’t change her name. So many things kept changing around her, we wanted her to at least keep beautiful name and make her understand that it was she that was being welcomed into her new forever home.
We covered her cage with a blanket on the sides so she could have some privacy. For the most part she stayed solidly in her cage. But she would pop out for a quick peek of her new surroundings from time to time. We put her food and water in the crate at first of which she was very possessive of with the other dogs, but had no problem with us moving it. In fact she welcomed us to come in her domain and pet her or rub her tummy.
But she was so well behaved and friendly we left the crate open the first night and never had a reason to ever close her in. But over the next few weeks she would rarely come out of it. I’d come home from work, she’d run out and bark her head off to go for a walk. Sadly she only had enough steam to make it around the small block. And I had learned she hates squirrels and will go through anything to get to them. Lucky for them she can’t run fast for long.
Once we are home from her walk she gets a drink and jumps right back in her crate. We even began to worry she would never come out except to get a quick pet or tummy rub. But slowly she began to immerge. She would lay out on the middle of the floor for a little bit and jump back in her crate for a while. Yet as each day passed, she spent more and more time out with her new sister’s. So one day when she went out back to spend some time with Sassy, Trish and I packed up the crate and just placed her bed there. She seemed a little upset when she saw her fortress was gone, but soon acted as if she didn’t notice. It is her spot though and doesn’t take kindly to others entering it. But has since stopped growling over her food bowl, I guess she knows now no one will take her food. And she willingly shares her personal water bowl with her sister’s.
Everyone that meets Nanaz falls in love with her. And her disposition shows regardless what happened to her leg and ears, the people who cared for her both on the streets of Iran and in the Vafa Shelter erased any memories of any harm people may have done to her. She has nothing but kindness for all those she meets and that is a testament to the generous hearts of the people of Iran and Vafa that cared for her for so many years and Susan of Mutts Need Love. They all put forth an incredible effort to not only help Nanaz and countless other dogs have a chance to find her forever home but also for Trish and me to fill a void in our hearts with one of these wonderful dogs.
Brian schmidt
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Coldicott Family – Castro Valley, California – March 2012
We love Delnaz so very much!
She just visited a dog park for the first time and it went well. We put this off until now because she is shy around other dogs and I didn’t want her to feel intimidated. She had a great time. We have socialized her around friends dogs and it is very fun and easy if there are just 1 or 2 other dogs. She has one best dog friend and they wrestle and play every time (for the whole time) they are together. They both leave each other slobered and tired!
We walk her at Lake Chabot and she runs off leash and loves it! We only let her off leash when we are well on the trail (cars and dogs make me nervous). This is probably her favorite place to go.
She spends her day at work with us, all the employees love her and we have some people we work with that bring their dogs and thay can all play in our yard at work. On other days when we just have to work, she is very good and sleeps in my office, she likes to get as close to my chair as she can. I love having her here especially when I am alone. She will warn me whenever someone is coming.
The kids love her and she loves them. If I am home with her, without them, she looks for them constantly. She puts up with a lot from my daughter, she thinks Delnaz is her lovie. But Delnaz loves her so very much. She is the PERFECT dog with children. Yesterday was my daughter (Kinzie’s) 5th bday. We had 15 kids over and they were all very comfortable with her and she with them. She greeted each one but didnt’ overwhelm them. She stays in my sons room until my husband and I go to bed. This has helped him go to bed, as he is not alone anymore! We use to keep her in her crate at night, but now she’s on our bed. She is so soft and lovable that we couldn’t help but let her on the bed.
She is the perfect addition to our family and we couldn’t be happier!
Thank you to the wonderful woman who sponsored her. Delnaz is very well loved and we feel very loved by her!
Alyx
http://www.examiner.com/article/puppies-arrive-from-iran-touching-grass-for-the-first-time-video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17693030
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Fraticelli Family – Sunol, California – April 2012
I knew the moment I saw the picture of Delband on the GSRNC (german shepherd rescue of northern california)website that she was destined to be my girl. I had already decided I wanted an older dog, but when I saw her I instantly felt a connection. I knew we were meant to be together. When I met her at the adoption day, I couldn’t imagine being with any other dog there, and I couldn’t imagine leaving without her.
Delband has a very gentle, sweet and submissive nature, but she has also matured into a confident, social dog. She is beautiful, smart and well behaved, and she fits in wonderfully here in Kilkare Woods, Sunol. She’s a great companion on hikes, runs and walks, and she really enjoys all of wildlife and other domesticated animals around here. She gets along beautifully with all of the neighborhood dogs and their owners. She hunts bugs and grazes on all kinds of plants, roots and sticks. She likes the squash leaves in the garden and fresh apples from the tree!
Steve fenced our entire yard so Delband now has plenty of room to roam and play. She loves just laying out in the driveway or on the patio, chewing on toys and yummy treats. She loves Steve, is friendly with Skyler and his friends, and she and our cat Izzy are best buddies. They love each other and actually play together! They are both very gentle with each other. I promise I will send you a video of that as soon as I can capture it on film! Our whole family and all of our friends and neighbors absolutely love and adore Delband, and she loves us too! She is very happy and healthy, and she’s big and just keeps growing!
Kind regards,
Dana
http://www.examiner.com/article/puppies-arrive-from-iran-touching-grass-for-the-first-time-video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17693030
دختراى كوچولوى ما، دلبند و دلناز، دو تا از خوشبخت ترين توله هايى هستن كه به امريكا آورديمشون. اين كوچولو هاى شيرين قبل…
Posted by Vafa Animal Shelter on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Apr 16, 2017
Part 1
It was a cold day in late Fall. I was sitting in my office. Back then, I didn’t know why on that day I decided to take on the task of patrolling the company grounds and workers residences myself. I got out of my chair and headed for Boomehen. On one of the side streets I saw a dog sitting by the side of the road, that at sight of my car using his arms he struggled to pull himselfaway and made eye contact with me.
After checking on the resident, I bought some hot dogs and put them in front of the dog but he did not eat and instead went under a parked car and hid. I had to go back to work and moved on but I wish I took the dog with me as I could not stop thinking about him for one second all day. The next day, I called up my driver and told him to go to the same area and find the paralyzed dog and bring him to me. An hour later he came back with the dog. I took him to the animal hospital. After a check up and X-Rays from his spine the doctor told me that the dog is completely paralyzed and gave me three options. First choice was to put him out of his misery by injection. Second choice was to keep him myself, which is very difficult. third option is a shelter named Vafa where they are able to care for him. I asked Ms. Simin to follow up with the shelter as I was on my way to Dubai. She did so but they didn’t have an available kennel for ten days. When I got back to town I found him eating his food and was doing a lot better. After ten days a kennel opened up and we took the dog, now named Omid, to the shelter. Every day I hoped for a miracle and good news about him, until on first day of Spring I heard that he was headed for America. I cried for joy for nearly half hour and could not believe it. Though I’m not a religious person, I felt so blessed by God’s Grace. I felt so lifted. I envy Banafsheh and her husband who are volunteering in this way all the time. I feel like I’m a drop of water next to an ocean. May the same God who put Omid in my path reward you for all the good that you do.
Sincerely,
Mohsen
Part 2
It was around noon one day when Ms. Simin called me and said she had found a paralyzed dog. She said she had taken the dog in for X-rays and was told that the damage was too severe and beyond repair, and that she had no way of keeping him. As she was telling me the story, in my mind I searched every corner of the shelter and could not think of a spot for him. And still with full knowledge of our lack of space for one more dog, as if I had no control of my own tongue I said: “Bring him.”
Two days later, Omid came. He was in a cardboard box in the back of the van. He stuck his head out of the box and the spark of his eyes said: “Hello Life! I am back!” An hour after he was settled in I went to check on him, and that’s when I learned how extensive his damage was. But he didn’t seem to believe he was in bad shape at all. He was embodiment of Hope. Any time I went to visit him, he would hurry up to me dragging his paralyzed end behind him and a doggie smile on his face, plant himself at my feet and ask to be petted. Not only that Omid was full of Hope, he was also sweet and he never allowed his physical challenges bring his spirit down. He made his happiness. There is no distance between Hope and Happiness.
Ali Sani
Part 3
Everyone says “You’re an Angel” , “God bless you and your husband for saving this poor dog.
“But many don’t realize…..HE saved me!
Omid has brought a certain value to our life that I really can’t explain. He has taught me a different level of love, that I didn’t know existed. After all I have had dogs for 31 years now, what could I learn now about a dog & from a dog, that I hadn’t learned before?
The TRUE meaning of “Appreciation”, “Patience” and “UNCONDITIONAL Love”.
When someone constantly picks you up, puts you down, puts you on your side, then moves your legs, doesn’t let you move from one spot until you’re cleaned & in diapers, does this to you, does that…..every single day, several times a day; it would get on your nerves! When a dog gets tired or annoyed, what does he do? He growls or snaps at you. But not Omid. He continuously licks my hand with gratitude. And on the days he senses I’m a bit tired, he puts his head in my lap. He squeezes himself towards my legs and drops his head down like he’s saying, “I’m sorry you’re tired today. I thank you for taking care of me. I wish I could do more to show you how much I appreciate what you’re doing for me. I wish I had the capability to wag my tail to show you my appreciation and happiness.” But what Omid may not realize that with every little suddle notion, with every gentle lick and every time he burries his face in my lap; he makes me realize what unconditional love truly is. He makes me realize how the most simplest thing like scratching behind his ear is impossible for him (since he can’t use his back legs) & when I do that for him it’s as if I’ve given him the world. Omid has taught me to pay close attention to the little things that we take for granted & more importantly, he has taught me to not take life so seriously. Sometimes I feel his pain. Sometimes I see him struggling, trying to maneuver around, after drinking water, slipping on the kitchen floor surface & as I stare at him I wonder ‘is he tired of this?’ Then he notices me looking at him quietly and he all of a sudden gets this burst of energy and bounces to me so fast, picking up the closest squeaky toy as he jets towards me with the happiest look and smile that always makes me laugh and wonder at the beauty of this dog’s attitude. He’s an inspiration to me. His pleasant attitude, despite all that he’s gone through, is just mind-blowing. He’s so amazing. He makes me realize that ‘life is good’, be happy, enjoy the squeaky toy, bounce around, who knows how long we have on this earth? Enjoy this very moment. When I look at Omid and all that he has gone through, I feel ashamed for some of my own weaknesses, l get embarrassed for the way I may have handled a situation…. I mean look at this dog, look at this paralyzed dog and learn from his will to survive and strength to be happy! How can you not be in awe of him??? That’s when I realized how much God loves me. Only God knew how I would learn these very important life lessons; so he brought it directly to me in the form of OMID. Omid has shown me to always have faith. He loves me unconditionally and I owe him….. I am and will forever be indebted for the life lessons and his pure love he has given me.
What an angel. All the way from Iran. Yes, he saved me. Omid’eh man!
Banafshe
Omid in the news:
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/04/-miracle-dog-omid-in-search-of-a-good-u-s-home-74813.html
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/06/omid-the-dog-becoming-famous-77365.html
http://www.wjla.com/video/2012/06/omid-find-a-home.html
Apr 16, 2017
Adopted by Stein Family on September 22, 2012 – Danbury, CT
While volunteering at VAFA Animal Shelter in Iran this summer, I thought how good it would be if every volunteer from outside of Iran would take a dog back with them and find it a good home. With that in mind, I decided to take one of the healthy puppies back to the USA with me.
I spoke with Mr. Ali Sani, director of the shelter, who agreed with my idea. We checked out all the healthy puppies and we decided on two who seemed rather healthy. After running blood work on the two and having them checked over by the shelter’s veterinarian, I chose Azarakhsh who was a bit timid. I emailed Azarakhsh’s photo to my son in the USA and asked him if any of his friends would be interested in adopting him. My son emailed back that one of his colleagues at work was interested in adopting Azarakhsh, but she wouldn’t be completely sure until she and her family met him in person. I wasn’t worried because I knew I would find Azarakhsh a home if this one didn’t work out.
Azarakhsh came to the USA with me and stayed at my house for almost a month before Lori and her family came back from vacation and visited him. During that month, he gained weight and became less and less shy. He played with Max and Saachi, my two VAFA dogs and tried to chase the cats. He became bilingual and started being very much attached to me. By this time, I had shortened his name to Azzie so that people in the USA wouldn’t have trouble addressing him. Azzie was very popular at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital where I took him to be seen by Dr. Cobelli. As always, Dr. Cobelli did not charge me anything and put Azzie on medications for worms and his cough.
When Lori, Jan, and Dexter Stein came to meet Azzie I could tell they liked him very much, but they didn’t want to commit until they had had a private talk. However, shortly after they arrived home, they called me and said they wanted Azzie. Soon after, the paperwork was completed through Fara Ravon and Maryam Kamali and I was able to deliver Azzie to the Steins. At the Steins, I noticed how much care had gone into making Azzie feel welcome. There was a new bed for him, new toys, and a new collar and leash. The only item that wasn’t new was the crate which belonged to their former (now deceased) dog. Azzie now lives in a house with three acres of land near a lake. He runs free because of the invisible fence and is allowed on the sofas and beds. He loves his new family and is less and less timid each day. As I hoped, he traded his attachment to me with an attachment to Lori.
This is what Lori says: “Azzie is a wonderful dog. He is your typical puppy with much energy. He loves to sleep on his back with his legs up in the air! He loves one particular blanket and runs around it all the time and then jumps on it. He jumps on the sofa and sits with us and loves to go outside. He runs back in when the neighbor starts mowing his lawn or a truck drives by because he is afraid of loud sounds. He developed a little rash on his face which the veterinarian treated. He loves food and eats everything we give him. Azzie is a beautiful dog and we get a lot of compliments from people when we take him out. He is very much attached to me but is starting to warm up to the men in the family, my husband Jan and our son Dexter.”
Sheyda Ardalan
